How can I make my yard bird friendly over the winter?

The most important thing you can do is to “leave the leaves” in the yard and leave the seed heads in your gardens. Birds that do not migrate need food and shelter all winter. This great Audubon article tells you the many ways you can support birds all winter long. Ask your lawn service to mulch your leaves as they mow to naturally fertilize your grass and to leave a pile of leaves in a corner of your back yard. Make sure they do not use leaf blowers that leave your garden beds bare! The soil, plants, birds and beneficial insects will thank you!